Why are breaks important when learning?

Research shows that taking purposeful breaks from studying to refresh your brain and body increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus. Taking purposeful breaks (anywhere from 5–60 minutes) can actually help you study smarter. You might be wondering – how can spending less time studying help me get everything done? Instead, find activities that give your mind a break and allow you to breathe deeply, laugh, move your body, be creative, or “zone out” on purpose. These kinds of activities will help you re-energize and re-focus.

As parents and educators, we want to take that stress off our children and avoid burnout, which is why it is important to ensure your child takes breaks in between their schoolwork and study. Managing workload and meeting deadlines can be stressful, especially for children. Worrying about whether they can finish their homework on time whilst juggling other commitments such as music or sports lessons can lead to overwhelm, and feeling under pressure. As adults, we know that stress can have a physical and mental impact on us, which is why it’s important that we ensure our children take breaks to relieve and reduce stress. It can be easy for children to lose focus and get distracted while trying to complete their schoolwork, which is why taking regular short breaks can help them focus and increase their productivity. Children are more likely to be productive when they have a fresh mind, as it helps to improve their focus and attention. It can be difficult and draining for children to take in too much information at once. Over-studying or trying to cram in homework can lead to exhaustion, and decreases the motivation to concentrate. Having a rest or break helps children to relax their brain and body, while avoiding burnout and mental exhaustion. After resting, it enhances their comprehension and increases their concentration when they return back to the books. Breaks are an essential part of learning. They give children the opportunity to rest and refresh their minds, so that they can relieve stress and improve their focus. Taking breaks allows your child to get the necessary recharge they need to stay focused and productive.